# nothing but

idiom · CEFR B2

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/nothing-but
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

only one thing and nothing else. You use this to emphasize that a situation or person is completely one way.

## Examples

- The box contained nothing but old books.
- After the long hike, the view from the top was nothing but beautiful mountains in every direction.
- The politician promised change, but his speech offered nothing but empty words and tired excuses that failed to address the public's concerns.

## Origin

From Middle English nothyng but, from Old English nan þing butan (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.